JOHOR BARU: A special financial aid of RM300 will be granted to every haj pilgrim from the state this year as part of Johor’s support initiative.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said more than 3,800 Johor pilgrims would receive the one-off assistance under the Bantuan Kasih Johor programme as a gesture of appreciation from the state government.
He said the assistance was introduced following the state’s improved revenue.
“This has never been done before and reflects the state government’s commitment to sharing the benefits of Johor’s prosperity with the people,” he said during a meeting with prospective haj pilgrims held at Menara MBJB here yesterday.
Onn Hafiz said the aid was made possible through cooperation between the Johor Islamic Religious Council and the Johor Islamic Religious Department.
He added that the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim would also contribute food packs and drinks for members of the state haj delegation.
Onn Hafiz said Johor had been sending its own state-sponsored haj delegation since 1952, even before the establishment of Tabung Haji (TH) in 1963.
He added the state had consistently secured a special quota of 500 pilgrims annually through cooperation with TH and the Federal Government, with transportation costs fully borne by the state.
Onn Hafiz said the pilgrims were expected to leave in stages between May 7 and May 9 through four to five flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Jeddah.
“We must remember that among billions of Muslims worldwide, only a very small number are chosen each year to perform the haj.
“In Malaysia too, many have to wait decades for their turn, so those selected should be grateful for this blessing.”
Onn Hafiz said Johor’s rising investments, stronger state revenue and increasing zakat collection had enabled the government to introduce more assistance programmes for the people regardless of race or background.
He added that development in Johor should not only be measured by infrastructure growth, but also by efforts to strengthen the well-being of the people and uphold Islamic values.
